Posted on 10/30/2021 6:31:31 AM PDT by dmam2011
Local market horror TV hosts have helped us through nights for decades, using their quirky personalities to introduce popular, creepy or plain old bad movies - in most instances these were the pre-cable days that lent themselves to captive audiences. The popular figure that embodied this genre was Elvira (Mistress of the Dark). Unknown to an unfortunately large number of people, her meteoric rise would not have happened without local horror tv hosts building their audiences.
A few of these horror hosts became icons and gained national attention for their characters. However, most of these hosts were only seen locally and rarely given the opportunity to promote their programs outside their local markets. That didn't diminish the effort, entertainment or memories of their programs for the people soaking in the shows week-after-week. With that in mind, let's take a look at a few of the older shows being rediscovered with through the benefits of the web.
(Excerpt) Read more at clarksvillian.com ...
Bestoink Dooley sp.? here in Atlanta.
Sammy Terry in Nightmare Theater in Indianapolis, started in 1962. His son took over in 2010.
George Ellis.
Sir Graves Ghastly was a character created by Cleveland-born actor Lawson J. Deming with the intention of becoming the star of his own television show of the same name. Sir Graves Ghastly had its longest run at WJBK in Detroit, from 1967-82.
Sir Graves Ghastly was a middle-aged vampire with a deep voice that reminded many of Boris Karloff. Each show began and ended with Deming climbing out of and back into a coffin to vamp up the vampire character. The program included classic horror films with unusually thorough inside information on the production and actors.
Other characters on the show included Sir Graves’ sidekick, Baruba, a ghostly apparition known only as The Glob, and a cemetery caretaker named Reel McCoy, who traditionally opened each episode by unearthing a movie reel from a grave. The show followed a format of back-to-back horror films, mixed with sketch comedy pieces featuring the show’s countless characters.
The series aired on WJBK in Detroit from 1967 to 1982, and the show was so popular that it was aired in Cleveland and Washington D.C. where Sir Graves Ghastly continued his reign of terror. Due to a change in studio management, the series was canceled in 1982.
At end of the show he wished viewers “Happy Haunting,” and gave an evil laugh as he lay down in his coffin
That was the coolest shows.
He use to make public appearances around the Detroit Area but I was to young to take myself and by the time I could go I was livin’ large at the beginning of the 80s.
Detroit also had The Ghoul
Blueberry pancakes scare the hell out of me.
Oh yes! The Ghoul!!
Channel 62 (UHF) Detroit.
“Hiya Hiya Hiya!” And Froggy……..great stuff.
RIP Ghoul
I also remember Dr. Shock. His format was similar to the one used by Svengoolie today. He had segments during the movie where he did magic tricks, told corny jokes, and had guest stars. Unfortunately, he passed away suddenly from a heart attack at the age of 42.
Another Philly favorite was "Saturday Night Dead" hosted by Stella, "The Maneater From Manayunk." (Manayunk is a neighborhood in Philadelphia.) Her show ran during the 1980s.
Wasn’t Chilly Billy on the first “Night of the Living Dead”?
I was just about to mention the best of all time. I;m glad you did.
There can be only one.
I watched “Seymour Present”s every Saturday night (if I’m correct on the day.) I loved that show when I was a kid. I wish I could find parts of his old shows on YouTube or something.
Dr. Shock - Philly
Monster Rally Promo (in color)
She went as Elvira EVERY Halloween. Bet she still does, even though no one knows who Elvira is anymore.
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